E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Resident’s yard pictureperfect PAGE 18
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FREE THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2016
VOLUME 18, NO. 30
Plenty of activities, but no Bash After 14 months on the job, Lakewood Ranch Community Activities director discusses the organization’s future schedule — including two events that aren’t on it. SEE PAGE 3
When it comes to pond health ...
YOUR TOWN
CARP(E) DIEM Tara Preserve CDD experiments with fish to clean up its ponds.
Courtesy photos
Instructor Sarah Hayworth poses with Summerfield’s Bryanna Schmidt, who suffers from epilepsy.
SEE PAGE 8
Dance fever The Dynasty Stars dancers will be part of the Millennium Dancesport Championships June 23 at Marriott World in Orlando. The group consists of children and young adults who dance despite challenges such as autism, Down’s syndrome or epilepsy. “They have made a huge difference in the lives of these dancers,” said Summerfield resident Rossana Schmidt, whose daughter, Bryanna, is participating. “Each family has a special story.”
Jessica Salmond
Barry Eaton holds one of the 571 grass carp that have been placed in Tara Preserve’s 54 ponds to help control vegetation growth. The fish, which measure about 8 inches long, have been sterilized so they don’t overpopulate the waterways.
A+E Sarasota’s Urbanite Theatre secures stability offstage. INSIDE
Golf cart issue scratches surface Damage causes country club, Town Hall to take closer look at golf carts using prohibited gate. SEE PAGE 5
Ava and Chris Birk
Dunkin’ with Dad Students at Kiddie Academy of Lakewood Ranch welcomed their fathers and grandfathers for a special Father’s Day breakfast June 17 at the school. Following breakfast, children presented their loved ones with handmade gifts. About 50 parents participated in the event. Four-year-old Kendall Sharp loved eating with her dad. “The doughnuts were really yummy and I had fun with him,” she said.